When you’re starting a new DIY project, you need to ensure you have all the right materials and tools. This can have a big impact on the success of your work, and getting it wrong could even be a serious safety hazard. No matter what kind of project you’re looking to start, you shouldn’t ever begin until you’re sure you have everything you need.

Aside from all the materials needed to construct your project, you should also look at what kind of fasteners are required. Fasteners are things that are capable of holding things together, and mechanical fasteners are screws and bolts. One of the most underappreciated types of fasteners is the self drilling screw, which can save you time and money. Find out what it is and why you should use it in this complete guide.

What is a Self Drilling Screw?

Self drilling screws, also known as Tek screws, are designed to be applied directly into a material. While most screws require a pre-threaded hole, these are much simpler as you just drill them into the surface. There are a lot of different types, but they all share this same characteristic, making them easy and fast to use in a wide range of applications.

Like self tapping screws, these fasteners have a special drive, head and thread to allow them to create a thread within the material. However, they also feature a drill point which means there’s no need for a pilot hole to be made first. Instead, you fix them to a drill adapter and quickly insert them using the drill.

The quality of these fasteners means they can be used to cut through a lot of different materials, including wood, plastic and even some soft metals. They also come in a range of different lengths and thicknesses, making them extremely versatile for a wide range of applications.

Why Use Self Drilling Screws

When using a self drilling screw, you can apply it directly to the material that you’re looking to join. They’re very easy to use, though it’s important to get the steps right in order to ensure a high degree of safety. The ease of use is one of the factors that makes them so appealing and suitable for a lot of different DIY projects.

First of all, you need to use a drill which is fitted with the right adapter for the screw head. The most common type is the hex head, but be sure to check before you apply it. Fit the screw into the adapter and line it up with the spot where you would like to insert it. Then keep a firm and steady grip on the screw as you drill it through the material.

Another big advantage of these screws is that they save you time. In today’s busy world, it’s rare that we have a lot of time to ourselves. You shouldn’t rush your DIY work, as this can lead to accidents. However, if there are ways you can reduce the time it takes, it makes sense to use them. Self drilling screws can be applied without needing to drill a pilot hole, making it much faster.

Last but not least, self drilling screws are incredibly versatile. There are many different kinds, including countersunk self drilling screws, low profile self drilling screws and self drilling screws with wings. All of these different types have a unique purpose, meaning you can use them in lots of DIY projects. Some screws are also designed with certain materials in mind, meaning you can choose a wood, plastic or metal version depending on what you’re using. 

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